03 May 2011

Two to Three Percent

As we've mentioned before here on the blog the City of Copenhagen decided a number of years ago to quietly remove 2-3% of city space designated for cars and return it to people. A little added initiative to accompany the regular developments of bicycle infrastructure and pedestrian space.

It is often done so quietly that it even sneaks up on those of us who know to look for it. I've been down this street a billion times. Then, looking out of my friend's flat window down at the street I noticed a little spot of reclaimed land. A single car parking space taken over by a subtle sidewalk extension. It's a side street with little through-traffic so it is hardly an in-your-face affront to car parkers everywhere. But it's nice.

It serves absolutely no function whatsoever in its current state. To the right is the entrance to a back courtyard where people come in an out on bicycles or not.

I would bet that bike racks are planned for it, as there are none right outside these buildings. Until then it remains a fine, almost anonymous symbol of "2-3%".

Kilometres cycled by Copenhageners so far today

Copenhagenize.com is the blog of Copenhagenize Design Company. Online since 2007 and highlighting the cycling life in Copenhagen and around the world.

40 years ago Copenhagen was just as car-clogged as anywhere else but now 41% of the population arriving at work or education do so on bicycles, from all over the Metro area. 56% of Copenhageners themselves use bicycles each day. They all use over 1000 km of bicycle lanes in Greater Copenhagen for their journeys. Copenhagenizing is possible anywhere.